Van Cortlandt Park

Fishing

New York City has more than 520 miles of shoreline, as well as inland lakes in our parks, all of which offer an opportunity to participate in the fun and excitement of freshwater and saltwater sport fishing.

Have you ever wanted to go fishing but you didn’t know the rules and regulations or where to go? NYC Parks is here to help.

Please follow the rules below as well as all posted guidelines and City, State, and Federal regulations

List of Fishing

Name

Location

Directions

Description

Type

Van Cortlandt Lake

Bailey Ave & Van Cortlandt Park South

This gorgeous 18-acre lake is home to plenty of yellow perch, brown bullheads, largemouth bass, black crappie, and carp. The lake’s shoreline includes both flat grassy areas as well as more challenging spots in the sloping, forested section of the lake.

Freshwater

Know Before You Go

Fishing traps
Use of traps to catch fish and/or crustaceans is not allowed in areas under NYC Parks jurisdiction.

Saltwater fishing
Saltwater fishing is subject to NYS DEC angling regulations. The regulations are created to support a healthy ecosystem and sustain fishing in the future.

NYC Parks Fishing Regulations

By observing the following regulations when fishing in waters under the jurisdiction of the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, you will help preserve our marine resources for future generations to enjoy. For state and federal regulations of which you should be aware, please visit the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation website.

(The following is an excerpt from Section §1-05 Regulated Uses of the Rules & Regulations of the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation.)

(h) Fishing

Fishing shall be permitted from locations under the jurisdiction of the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, except in open swimming areas or where specifically prohibited.

Any person who engages in fishing shall obey all posted guidelines and comply with all applicable City, State, and Federal laws and regulations, including Title 6 of the New York State Environmental Conservation Law.

The use of lead fishing weights in waters under the jurisdiction of the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation shall be a violation of these rules.

Failure to remove fishing line fragments and hooks from land and waters under the jurisdiction of the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation shall be a violation of these rules.

All fish caught in freshwater areas shall be immediately released. The use of barbed hooks in such areas shall be a violation of these rules.

The use of traps to catch fish and/or crustaceans in areas under the jurisdiction of the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation shall be a violation of these rules.

Park Information

Directions to Van Cortlandt Park

Starting Address

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Know Before You Go

There are currently 2 service interruptions affecting access within this park.

Van Cortlandt Park

Due to construction at Broadway and West 242nd Street, the entrance near the subway is closed. Please access the park at the stairway adjacent to the public comfort station (Broadway & Manhattan College Parkway). There is an accessible entrance at the end of the block. The barbecuing area at Van Cortlandt Park has temporarily been moved behind the Nature Center. For more information on the progress of this construction project, please visit our Capital Project Tracker page.Anticipated Completion: Summer 2020

Putnam Trail

The Putnam Greenway Trail is currently closed for construction. For north-south access, runners and pedestrians can use the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail (enter at Mosholu Parkway & Van Cortlandt Park South), and bicyclists and pedestrians can use Broadway. For more information on the progress of this construction project, please visit our Capital Project Tracker page.